YEARS
This is the second article in
WATT Global Media's
100-year anniversary series.
Seed biotechnology:
The impact on animal
production
Agribusiness looks to biotechnology to improve crop
protection, traits to feed the world of 2050
BY JACKIE ROEMBKE
Over the course of two decades, genetically modified
(GM) crops have offered many benefits to farmers,
consumers and the environment, including the use of
fewer pesticides, larger yields and lower food and animal feed costs.
According to Robert Fraley, Monsanto executive
vice president and chief technology officer, GM technology has increased crop yields by "an average of 21
percent worldwide and reduced the use of pesticides by
37 percent."
Today, 28 countries legally grow GM crops, most
commonly corn, soybeans and cotton. For example, in
the United States, GM seeds account for 93 percent of
corn and 94 percent of soybean production.
While many countries ban or prohibit the cultivation
of GM crops due to regulations, trade concerns and public
perception, they allow for the import of GM products, i.e.
raw materials, animal feed and processed human foods.
Only seven countries have completely banned GM
cultivation and imports.
Politics aside, the world is facing very real challenges that may prompt further exploration into the
motorolka, Bigstock.com
ADVANCES IN SEED
BIOTECHNOLOGY
will enhance crop traits to
lower feed costs and improve
animal health in the future,
but political and social
obstacles may hinder
such progress.
www.WATTAgNet.com ❙ March 2017

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page.
If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.